Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, the most-awarded American Whiskey or Bourbon of 2019, 2020, and 2021, has been ranked among the top 1,000 companies honored on the 2022 Inc. 5000 list. With the growth of more than 3,000% since its first year, and nearly 700% during the capture period of this Inc. 5000 list, Uncle Nearest joins an illustrious group of honorees like Microsoft, Facebook, Under Armour, Chobani, Patagonia, and many other behemoths who first gained national exposure on the Inc. 5000 list. Every year, Inc. releases the ranking of the 5,000 fastest-growing private companies in America, based on a percentage of revenue growth. Uncle Nearest is one of few spirit brands to ever be featured on the list.
In 2021, Uncle Nearest announced it had become the best-selling African American-owned and founded spirit brand in history, selling 1.5 million bottles of its sought-after super premium whiskey. The company has since gone on to sell more than three million bottles. Its whiskey portfolio, which ranges from $49.99 to $149 suggested retail price, is currently made up of its small batch whiskey, its Master Blend Edition, and its original aged whiskey offering, and is available in more than 25,000 U.S. locations.
“This year alone we are on track to sell more bottles than we did in our first three and a half years in business, and we’ve not even begun to scratch the surface,” said Katharine Jerkens, Chief Business Officer of Uncle Nearest.
“When we entered the bourbon market, we had no idea we were making history as the first and only brand to commemorate an African American, and the first major spirit company to be founded and led by a leadership team of all women,” said Fawn Weaver, Chairman, CEO, and founder of Uncle Nearest. “The question on the mind of so many in the CPG and spirits industry was, could a brand with a story broaching American topics no one had ever attempted to be embraced by consumers of every background, gender and race? That answer has become abundantly clear. The world had been waiting for Uncle Nearest for more than 160 years, they just didn’t realize it until our bottles hit shelves.”
Since its debut in 2017, the super-premium whiskey from Tennessee has swept major spirit competitions, garnering 509 awards, including 59 Best in Class, and 335 Gold, Double Gold and Platinum medals. In 2022 alone, the brand has so far won 116 medals including 12 Best in Class awards, and with an average critic score of 92 points, continues to solidify the brand’s recognition as the most-awarded American whiskey or Bourbon for the fourth year in a row.
Nearest Green Distillery welcomes thousands of guests every weekend from all over the world. Its 323-acre property in Shelbyville, Tenn. is a masterclass in storytelling and purpose-driven marketing. “Our goal is to cement the legacy of Nearest Green in the history books and in the hearts and minds of people all over. We are grateful to the Inc. 5000 for this honor that reminds us we’re on track to make him a household name,” said Victoria Eady Butler, fifth generation Nearest Green descendant and Uncle Nearest Master Blender.
About Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey
Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey honors the world’s first-known African American master distiller, Nearest Green. The portfolio is the Most Awarded American Whiskey or Bourbon of 2019, 2020 and 2021, with over 500 awards and accolades since the brand’s 2017 launch, including 335 Gold medals or higher, 59 Best in Class honors and an average critic’s score of 92. Uncle Nearest is currently sold in all 50 states and 12 countries, and is sold in more than 25,000 stores, bars, hotels, restaurants, as well as at its 323-acre Nearest Green Distillery in Shelbyville, Tenn. The brand has sold more than three million bottles of its super premium Tennessee Whiskey and continues on pace to break all prior records for fastest-growing American whiskey company. For more information, please visit the Uncle Nearest website, and follow on Instagram and Facebook @unclenearest.
About Nearest Green Distillery
Nearest Green Distillery is the world’s first distillery to commemorate an African American. Dubbed as “Malt Disney World,” and named by Travel + Leisure as a “true whiskey destination,” the 323-acre property has become known as a full-blown destination for whiskey lovers, history enthusiasts, and families. It is a master class in storytelling and history-making, paying tribute to the three things Tennessee is most known for: Tennessee Whiskey, Tennessee Walking Horses and Tennessee Music. For more information or to book a tour, please visit unclenearest.com/distillery.
Tullamore, Ireland – St. Patrick’s Day is around the corner, and – with nearly 200 St. Paddy’s Days under their belt – your friends at Tullamore D.E.W. Irish Whiskey know a thing or two about celebrating the holiday….and how to actually spell it. Year in and year out, Americans seem to get it wrong, opting for the use of the double T instead of the double D. This year, Tullamore D.E.W. is setting out to change that…with an appetizing partnership.
Louisville, Kentucky – Master Distiller Dan McKee and Master of Maturation Andrea Wilson have approved the release of Michter’s US*1 Barrel Strength Rye. Shipment to distributors and importers begins this month.
SHEFFIELD, Massachusetts – In its final round of the Craft Brewers Whiskey Project, Berkshire Mountain Distillers (BMD) has released three new whiskies distilled from beer sourced from popular brewers Long Trail Brewing Company, Two Roads Brewing, and Chatham Brewing, available now in the BMD tasting room and across the Northeast in March.
COLUMBUS, Ohio — In a collaboration with Marianne Eaves, one of the most esteemed tastemakers in the beverage industry, 
“My ‘aha moment’ was realizing that there are so many other regions and distilleries outside of Kentucky that are making exceptional bourbons, too,” shares Eaves. “This Ohio collaboration gave me the chance finally to work with some energetic and trailblazing industry friends. 
Turner, Oregon – Willamette Valley Vineyards, a leading producer of Pinot Noir in the Willamette Valley, sells out of its inaugural, limited release Willamette Whiskey. The hand-crafted, small batch rye whiskey was aged in new American oak for six years, then blended down to a bottle strength of 100 proof. The winery’s top customers were offered an inaugural special price for Willamette Whiskey of $50. A second release is scheduled this winter.
LOUISVILLE, Kentucky – Experts at the Louisville, KY-based beverage development company, Flavorman, have announced the drink trends to watch for in 2022. Driven by the long-term effects of an ongoing pandemic, this year’s forecast is shaping up to focus on celebrating life’s simple pleasures while striving for balance.
Chico, California – Sierra Nevada Brewing Company and St. George Spirits will be releasing a new, limited-edition malt whiskey blended with spirits distilled from grains and hops, Ruthless, on December 18th to celebrate the brands’ friendship and collaboration. In 2013, the two came together to distill one of Sierra Nevada’s most beloved beers, Ruthless Rye IPA, as an experiment. For this first release, St. George’s head distiller/blender Dave Smith has carefully chosen and blended whiskeys from seven Ruthless Rye IPA casks and married in a small portion of the first barrel of St. George Single Malt Whiskey, which was brewed by Sierra Nevada and distilled by St. George Spirits in 1997. The teams are excited to share this uniquely special spirit and history with beer and whiskey lovers alike.
TULLAHOMA, Tennessee – With the holiday season underway, the hunt has begun for the ideal gift, especially for those hardest to buy for on the list. Cascade Hollow Distilling Co. General Manager and Distiller Nicole Austin is releasing a premium rye whisky, perfect for the whisky afficionado in your life. Cascade Moon 13 Year Old Rye is an extremely rare release, available in select U.S. markets starting this month.